report vision zero draft three-year action plan for public...

1

REPORT

Vision Zero Draft Three-Year Action Plan for Public Comment

2

Letter from Mayor James F. Kenney ........................................................................ 3

Letter from Vision Zero Task Force .......................................................................... 4

Task Force Members ................................................................................................ 5

What is Vision Zero? ................................................................................................. 6

Core Principles ......................................................................................................... 7

Why Vision Zero in Philadelphia? ............................................................................. 8

Current Condition on Philadelphia Streets .............................................................. 10

Speed Kills .............................................................................................................. 12

Building on our Foundation ................................................................................... 13

Vision Zero Task Force & Subcommittees ............................................................... 14

Your Voice: From Draft to Final Three-Year Action Plan ......................................... 15

Near-term Engineering Strategies & Actions .......................................................... 16

Near-term Evaluation and Data Strategies & Actions ............................................. 20

Near-term Education and Engagement Strategies & Actions ................................. 24

Near-term Traffic Safety Enforcement Strategies & Actions .................................. 28

Near-term Fleet Management Strategies & Actions .............................................. 30

Near-term Policy Strategies & Actions ................................................................... 34

Vision Zero Benchmarks ......................................................................................... 36

What Can You Do? ................................................................................................. 37

Glossary of Terms ................................................................................................... 38

Table of Contents

Credit: Photograph by Joseph Gidjunis – page 3 Photograph by University City District – page 4, 23 Photograph by Logan CDC – page 7 Photography by Elena Iwata – page 11, 19

Photograph by Parks and Recreation – page 23 Photograph by Steve Weinik, A Design in Motion truck by Desireé Bender – page 28 Photograph by Darren Burton – page 33 Photograph by shutterstock.com – pages 17, 20, 32

3

Fellow Philadelphians, When I took office, I pledged my commitment to making Philadelphia streets safe for everyone, regardless of age, physical ability, or choice of transportation. Each year, there are approximately 100 traffic-related deaths in Philadelphia, including drivers, passengers, and people walking and biking. Every day in Philadelphia, four children are involved in a traffic crash. Philadelphians deserve better. I recognize that traffic crashes resulting in lives lost or severe injuries are preventable incidents. It is our shared responsibility to build a transportation system that prioritizes safety on our streets. By focusing on system-wide improvements, we can stop traffic-related deaths. We can save lives. On November 7, 2016, I signed Executive Order 11-16, setting a target of zero traffic-related deaths by 2030. I created a Vision Zero Task Force, charged with developing an action plan to achieve this goal. Through an equitable approach to changing our transportation system, changing the way we design our roads, educating our residents, and judiciously applying traffic safety enforcement, traffic-related deaths can be eliminated. The Vision Zero Task Force has brought state and local government officials side-by-side with community and advocacy groups to develop this Three-Year Action Plan. As you see, the Task Force took a collaborative approach to outlining Vision Zero’s path forward. These efforts build on the work of my colleagues in City Council, who have championed efforts towards making the streets safer, as well as the establishment of an Office of Complete Streets, the launch of the Roosevelt Boulevard “Route for Change” program, and the installation of the City’s first protected bike lane. This Vision Zero Three-Year Action Plan is another important step towards reaching our goal, and we all have a part to play. With the support of each and every Philadelphian, we can save lives and make our city’s streets safer. Sincerely,

Mayor James F. Kenney

Letter from Mayor

4

Residents of Philadelphia,

We are proud to present the 2017 City of Philadelphia’s Vision Zero Draft Three-Year Action Plan for public comment. This

Three-Year Action Plan outlines Vision Zero’s near-term goals. It is rooted Mayor Kenney’s commitment to improving the

traffic safety and saving lives, and is a result of a collaboration of various governmental agencies, as well as community and

advocacy groups.

This Action Plan relies on certain fundamental principles to eliminate traffic-related death by 2030:

Traffic deaths are preventable and unacceptable.

Human life is our highest priority.

o Preserving human life takes priority over convenience.

o Philadelphia’s transportation system should be safe for all of its users, in all neighborhoods.

Human error is inevitable and unpredictable. Our transportation system should be designed to anticipate human error,

so that the consequence is not death or severe injury.

Safe human behaviors, education and enforcement are essential contributors to a safe transportation system.

People are inherently vulnerable and speed is a fundamental predictor of crash survival. Our transportation system

should be designed for speeds that protect human life.

Equity must always be a guiding principle in Vision Zero, as well as in the implementation of any traffic safety measures. The

City and the Vision Zero Task Force recognize that children, the elderly, people living with physical disabilities, and those

who live below the poverty line are disproportionately impacted by traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. This is

unacceptable. We believe that all people—regardless of age, physical ability, income—deserve to be able to travel safely on

our city streets, regardless of how they choose to travel.

We welcome Philadelphia’s diverse voices to participate in the Vision Zero conversation. From our website—

VisionZeroPHL.com—you will be able comment on the Plan and share your stories. Your unique experiences and points of

view will be critical to understanding the barriers to achieving our vision of zero traffic-related deaths by 2030 and

developing both a final Three Year Action Plan and subsequent Action Plan updates that will guide Vision Zero forward.

In service,

Vision Zero Task Force

Letter from Vision Zero Task Force

5

TASK FORCE

Members

City of Philadelphia

Michael DiBerardinis Managing Director

Michael Carroll (Chair) Office of Transportation & Infrastructure

Systems (oTIS)

Kelley Yemen Office of Complete Streets (oTIS)

Anne Fadullon Philadelphia City Planning Commission

Tom Farley Department of Public Health

Richard Montanez Department of Streets

Dave Perri Department of Licenses & Inspections

Richard Ross Philadelphia Police Department

External agencies and organizations

Michael Banks African American Chamber of Commerce

Chuck Davies Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

(PennDOT)

Kathy Desmond People's Emergency Center

William Hite School District of Philadelphia

Jeff Knueppel Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation

Authority (SEPTA)

Nilda Iris Ruiz Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc.

(APM)

Rick Sauer Philadelphia Association of Community

Development Corporations (PACDC)

6

Leber, 2016

WHAT IS

Vision Zero?

Across the world, Vision Zero is saving lives. First adopted as a national policy

in Sweden in 1997, Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic-related

deaths and severe injuries, while increasing safety, health, and mobility for all.

In Sweden, traffic-related deaths have since dropped 30%. In the United

States, cities of all sizes have adopted Vision Zero policies.

Vision Zero focuses on how people naturally behave. People make mistakes—

kids run out in to the street—but these mistakes should not be fatal. We may

never prevent all crashes, but we can put people first and prevent the most

serious and fatal crashes. The airline industry and the railroads have zero-

tolerance policies—zero tolerance for traffic deaths is next.

Vision Zero prioritizes human life and seeks to eliminate the prevailing

sentiment that traffic crashes are inevitable accidents.

Successful Vision Zero programs recognize that there is safety in numbers,

that increasing numbers of people walking and biking make these activities

safer, as well as improve the health of a city.

Vision Zero focuses attention on the shortcomings of the transportation system

itself, rather than changing individual behavior. Through road design,

education, and traffic safety enforcement, we can eliminate traffic-related

deaths.

Philadelphia is proud to adopt Vision Zero.

On November 7, 2016, Mayor James F. Kenney signed an Executive Order to

create the Vision Zero Task Force. Philadelphia is committed to reducing

traffic-related deaths to zero by 2030.

7

CORE Principles

By adopting Vision Zero as policy, the City of Philadelphia

rejects the status quo that traffic crashes are “accidents.”

Instead, we accept traffic crashes as preventable incidents

that can be—and will be—systematically addressed.

We believe Vision Zero’s core principles can save lives and

prevent severe injuries on our streets, while enhancing

the quality of life for all Philadelphians. These core

principles are:

Traffic deaths are preventable and unacceptable.

Human life is our highest priority.

o Preserving human life takes priority over

convenience.

o Philadelphia’s transportation system should be

safe for all of its users, in all neighborhoods.

Human error is inevitable and unpredictable. Our

transportation system should be designed to

anticipate human error, so that the consequence is

not death or severe injury.

Safe human behaviors, education, and traffic safety

enforcement are essential contributors to a safe

transportation system.

People are inherently vulnerable and speed is a

fundamental predictor of crash survival. Our

transportation system should be designed for speeds

that protect human life.

We recognize that reaching our goal of reducing traffic-

related deaths to zero in Philadelphia by 2030 is a shared

responsibility; one that will require leadership and

commitment by elected officials, City agencies,

community stakeholders, and the public and private

sectors alike.

We understand that traffic crashes disproportionately

affect Philadelphia’s low-income neighborhoods. In fact,

nearly one out of five traffic-related deaths and severe

injuries occur in neighborhoods where the majority of

residents live below the poverty line. We are committed

to data-driven decision-making that prioritizes

investments in places with the most need for traffic safety

improvements.

We recognize that Philadelphians living in low-income

neighborhoods also are disproportionately affected by

chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and

heart disease. But physical activity can reduce

Philadelphians’ risk for developing these conditions. Our

investment in safe streets must also make walking and

biking easier and more attractive, allowing our neighbors

to improve their health outcomes.

We know that reducing traffic-related deaths to zero by

2030 will require a culture change. As a city, we must

recognize that our choices on our streets matter to the

lives of others.

As we move Vision Zero forward, we must remember no

one should have to grieve the loss of a loved one as a

result of a traffic crash. The approximately 100 people

killed every year in Philadelphia traffic crashes are not just

numbers—they are our neighbors—and we will remain

committed to reducing traffic-related deaths to zero by

2030.

8

WHY VISION ZERO

in Philadelphia?

FIGURE 1

Vision Zero Timeline Total traffic-related deaths in Philadelphia

0

50

100

150

2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

Data source: PennDOT

FIGURE 2

Traffic-related Deaths: Total deaths vs. rate of death per 100,000 residents

94

241

38111

239

584

23 15

6.00

2.87

4.395.24

4.56

5.74

3.42

1.93

PhiladelphiaCounty

New YorkCity

San FranciscoCounty

King County(Seattle)

Cook County(Chicago)

Los AngelesCounty

Washington,DC

SuffolkCounty

(Boston)

Total traffic-related deaths Rate of raffic related-deaths (per 100,000 residents)

Data source: NHTSA, 2015

Rate of traffic related-deaths (per 100,000 residents)

9

WHY VISION ZERO in Philadelphia?

Traffic crashes are a serious health threat to

Philadelphians. Philadelphia is the fifth-most populous city

in the United States, with 1.5 million residents. Every year

in Philadelphia, our residents are subject to more than

10,600 traffic crashes. These crashes take the lives of

around 100 people each year in Philadelphia (Figure 1);

nearly 300 more people are severely injured.

Compared to our peer cities with established Vision Zero

policies, Philadelphia has one the highest rates of traffic-

related deaths per 100,000 residents. Philadelphia’s traffic-

related death rate is over two times as high as that of New

York City (Figure 2). Traffic crashes are not accidents; they

are preventable incidents. Together, we can save lives.

In Philadelphia, neighborhoods with higher proportions of

residents living in poverty are subjected to a

disproportionate number of traffic crashes. More fatalities

and severe injuries as a result of traffic crashes occur in

neighborhoods where the majority of the residents live

below the poverty line. Traffic crashes do not affect all

Philadelphia neighborhoods equally. Together, we can

ensure equitable access to safer streets.

Among large U.S. cities, Philadelphia has the highest rates

of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension,

obesity, and premature cardiovascular deaths.

Philadelphians living in low-income neighborhoods are

disproportionately affected by these conditions. Designing

streets to promote pedestrian safety allows more people

to walk and bike in their neighborhoods. Increased

physical activity contributes to healthy living and reduces

risk of chronic diseases. Philadelphians are at high risk of

chronic diseases. Together, we can improves health

outcomes.

Philadelphians deserve Vision Zero. Vision Zero will

prioritize traffic safety in transportation program

investments that save lives and promote healthier living.

Using data to inform decisions, Vision Zero will ensure

equitable traffic safety investments in neighborhoods

needing them most. Together, we can build a

transportation system that promotes safety and enables

healthier living.

Philadelphians are worth it. A life lost on Philadelphia’s

streets is unacceptable and preventable.

10

87 107 89 97 94

276286

257 255 273

0

100

200

300

400

500

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Deaths Severe injuries

CURRENT CONDITIONS ON

Philadelphia Streets FIGURE 3

Total Number of Traffic-related Deaths

and Severe Injuries in Philadelphia


People Killed in Crashes

5%

15%

80%

Bicycle Pedestrian Vehicle

3%

35%

62%

Bicycle Pedestrian Vehicle


FIGURE 4

People Involved in Crashes

11

CURRENT CONDITIONS ON Philadelphia Streets

Data source: NHTSA, 2015

Traffic crashes have tragic impacts on the lives of

Philadelphians. While Philadelphia is consistently

recognized as one of the nation’s most walkable and

bikeable cities, our traffic-related death rates are

consistently higher than our peer cities. In Philadelphia,

about 100 people are killed in traffic crashes annually;

nearly 300 more people are severely injured (Figure 3).

Every day, four children in Philadelphia are reported to

be involved in traffic crashes. Approximately eight

percent of people killed in traffic crashes are under 18,

and half of those killed are under the age of 15.

In Philadelphia, children are more likely to be hit by

drivers within their neighborhoods—while walking to

school, the park, the library, or playing on their blocks.

Adult pedestrians are more likely to be involved in

crashes along major arterials and transit ways—like

Broad Street and Market Street.

Traffic crashes impact everyone, whether we drive, ride,

walk, or bike. In Philadelphia, people travelling in

vehicles are most likely to be involved in a crash, but

people walking and biking are more likely to be killed.

In Philadelphia, people walking and biking are involved in

20% of all crashes, but they make up 38% of those killed

(Figure 4). And every five hours, a driver hits a person

walking in Philadelphia. If we prevent those crashes, we

would be a one-third of our way toward zero traffic-

related deaths.

12

SPEED Kills

Speed is a fundamental predictor of crash survival. Without the protection of an automobile, the

human body has a limited tolerance for speeds higher than 20 miles per hour. Speed is especially

lethal for people walking and biking. To preserve human life, our transportation system should be

designed for reasonable speeds.

In Philadelphia, approximately 53% of the city’s traffic-related deaths are a result of aggressive

driving, which includes speeding and failure to yield. We recognize that speed is a fundamental

predictor of crash survival—no matter how you choose to travel. Crashes are the result of mistakes,

but death and severe injury can be prevented, if we control driving speeds.

Through engineering, education, traffic safety enforcement, and policy changes, we can work to

reduce speeding and save lives.

13

BUILDING ON

Our Foundation

Prior to Mayor James F. Kenney’s Vision Zero Executive Order, the City of Philadelphia has been laying the foundation for this policy. The plans and ongoing initiatives below will bolster Vision Zero:

2012

Adopted Philadelphia Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan

Enacted Complete Streets Ordinance

2013

Published Philadelphia Complete Streets Design Handbook

Launched 18-month traffic safety campaign, Driver Right, Ride Right: It’s Road Safety, Not Rocket Science

Required Designing for Pedestrian Safety workshop for all Department of Streets engineering and technical staff

Continued Safe Routes Philly into 2013-2014 school year

2014

Received Pedestrian Focus Cities grant from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)


2015

Relaunched It’s Road Safety, Not Rocket Science media campaign

Required Designing for Pedestrian Safety workshop for all Department of Streets engineering and technical staff

Produced traffic safety training videos for the Philadelphia Police Department and Taxi & Limousine Commission


Established the Executive Traffic Safety Working Group, developing Moving Forward Vision Zero, Vision Zero recommendations for Mayor-elect James F. Kenney

Mayor-elect James F. Kenney spoke at Vision Zero conference, reiterating his commitment to Vision Zero

2016

Received grants to expand Safe Routes Philly and to implement safety improvements at elementary schools with high numbers of child-pedestrian crashes

Announced Roosevelt Boulevard: Route for Change, a planning program that works to create a safer, more accessible, and more reliable Roosevelt Boulevard

Developed Vision Zero Toolkit, comprehensive recommendations for Vision Zero based upon internal City of Philadelphia interviews, as well as research on and interviews with peer cities regarding Vision Zero

Installed city’s first protected bike lane

Mayor James F. Kenney signed Executive Order creating the Office of Complete Streets and the Vision Zero Executive Task Force

Kicked off Vision Zero Task Force meetings

Philadelphia’s Vision Zero Three-Year Action Plan will deepen and expand our foundation. Vision Zero will create a data-driven approach to traffic safety strategies that prioritizes locations with the highest need. Philadelphia’s multi-agency approach to Vision Zero allows us to coordinate efforts and take advantage of funding opportunities. With our partners at the table working together, we have support and accountability around reducing traffic-related deaths to zero in Philadelphia by 2030.

14

VISION ZERO

Task Force & Subcommittees

Leadership The following officials are responsible for leading and providing feedback of Vision Zero as its Action

Plan strategies are implemented:

City of Philadelphia:

Mayor’s Office

Managing Director’s Office

Chair: Managing Director’s Office of

Transportation & Infrastructure Systems (oTIS)

Department of Public Health

Department of Streets

Fleet Management

Licenses & Inspections

Philadelphia City Planning Commission

Philadelphia Police Department

Office of Complete Streets

Risk Management

Water Department

African American Chamber of Commerce

American Automobile Association (AAA)

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc. (APM)

Center City District (CCD)

Clean Air Council

Delaware Regional Valley Planning Commission

(DVRPC)

New Kensington Community Development

Corporation (NKCDC)

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

(PennDOT)

People’s Emergency Center (PEC)

Philadelphia Association of Community

Development Corporations (PACDC)

Philadelphia Parking Authority

School District of Philadelphia

Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC)

Office of Councilwoman Helen Gym

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation

Authority (SEPTA)

University City District (UCD)

Mayor James F. Kenney

Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis

Deputy Managing Director Michael A. Carroll

(oTIS)

Vision Zero Task Force

Task Force Structure

ENGINEERING EVALUATION/

DATA

EDUCATION/

ENGAGEMENT

TRAFFIC

SAFETY

ENFORCEMENT

POLICY FLEET

MANAGEMENT

SUBCOMMITTEES

VISION ZERO TASK FORCE

15

YOUR VOICE:

From Draft to Final Three-Year Plan

On March 7, 2017, Mayor James F. Kenney

introduced this document, Philadelphia’s

Vision Zero Draft Three-Year Action Plan

for public comment. In the three months

following, the Vision Zero Task Force will

engage with Philadelphians across the city,

starting a discussion on creating safer

streets.

Please join us. Visit

www.VisionZeroPHL.com to tell your

story, provide input on problem locations,

and take the Vision Zero pledge.

• Mayor James F. Kenney signs Vision Zero Executive Order

November 2016

• Vision Zero Task Force kick-off

December 2016

• Meetings of Vision Zero sub-committees

January -February 2017

• Vision Zero Draft Three-Year Action Plan release

March 2017

• Conduct Vision Zero community engagement

Spring 2017

• Create Vision Zero Technical Report and identify High-Injury Network

Spring and Summer 2017

• Release Final Vision Zero Three-Year Action Plan

September 2017

16

NEAR-TERM

Engineering Strategies & Actions This subcommittee is responsible for coordinating various engineering and street design efforts within

the public Right-Of-Way, prioritizing traffic safety and active transportation in public investments. In

addition to the Managing Director’s Office of Transportation & Infrastructure Systems (oTIS) and Office

of Complete Streets, this subcommittee is comprised of members from the City of Philadelphia’s City

Planning Commission (PCPC), Streets Department, and Water Department; Delaware Valley Regional

Planning Commission (DVRPC); Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT); and

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).

The City has the

policies, resources,

and partnerships needed to design roadways

and intersections that

maximizes safety for most

vulnerable road users and

City staff have the

professional freedom to

make data-driven decisions

that promote traffic-safety.

17

Action Item

Description Lead Agency Year

1 Redesign corridors and intersections to improve safety for all road users

1.1 Install Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) at 50 intersections per year; doubling the existing number of intersections with LPIs

Streets FY 18 and on-going

1.2 Install the first two bicycle signals in Philadelphia Streets/PennDOT FY 18 and on-going

1.3 Install on average two major pedestrian intersection improvements per year Streets/PennDOT FY 18 and on-going

1.4 Install 50 new LED street lights per year Streets/PennDOT FY 18 and on-going

1.5 Install pedestrian countdowns timers at 13 intersections per year Streets/PennDOT FY 18 and on-going

1.6 Incorporate priority pre-emption for emergency vehicles and transit priority as standard equipment for all new signals


1.7 Develop designs for High-Injury Network corridors for future funding applications

oTIS/Streets FY 18 and FY 19

1.8 Install 25 low-cost safety improvements, including new road markings, signs, and minor signal modifications per year

oTIS/Streets FY 18 and on-going

1.9 Integrate implementation of multi-modal safety improvements into paving of State roads and reconstruction of State bridges through PennDOT Connects

PennDOT FY 18 and on-going

1.10 Install one urban traffic roundabout Streets FY 20

1.11 Implement prioritized Safe Routes to School safety improvement projects at six high pedestrian crash District schools

oTIS/ Streets/Water FY 20

1.12 Install a network of protected bicycle lanes to provide a safer active transportation option


1.13 Pursue funding to enhance temporary protected bike lane strategies with more permanent, high quality strategies such as curbs and planters


1.14 Focus new loading zone management projects on high-crash corridors oTIS/Streets/CCD FY 20

1.15 Develop neighborhood slow zones program that slow speeds to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable roadway users (seniors, children, and people walking and bicycling)


1.16 Install Philadelphia's first protected intersection oTIS FY 20

NEAR-TERM Engineering Strategies & Actions

18

Near-term Engineering Strategies & Actions - cont.

Action Item


1.17 Build neighborhood bikeways along two corridors and evaluate future routes for installation


1.18 Install two raised intersections oTIS/Streets FY 18

1.19 Install two curbless streets oTIS/Streets Long-term

2 Establish plans and processes to internalize Vision Zero principles within department operations

2.1

Update the Philadelphia Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan and include the following elements: • A pedestrian and bicycle safety action plan; • A prioritization process for street improvement projects including paving,

Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) projects and solicitation packages for grant funding;

• A gaps analysis and prioritization for sidewalk and bikeway network gaps

oTIS/PCPC FY 19 and FY 20

2.2 Continue the routine Philadelphia Streets resurfacing program and include pedestrian/ bicycle infrastructure and loading zones as part of resurfacing projects, as informed by a multimodal improvement prioritization program


2.3

Integrate Vision Zero into Complete Streets Guidelines and Complete Streets Checklists during the development process to ensure that streets are being designed for the most vulnerable roadway users (pedestrians and bicyclists). Guidelines should:

• Address line of sight issues; • Define protected bike lanes and protected intersection; • Standardize speed limit reduction by roadway type; • Other innovative roadway treatments in conjunctions as they are developed and evaluated

oTIS/PCPC/Streets FY 18 and FY 19

2.4 Develop a comprehensive Access Management Policy and Right-Of-Way Standards that takes into account driveway placement among other potential safety hazards

Streets FY 19 and FY 20

2.5 Create a database of streets and intersections with line of sight issues by collecting and tracking input from the public, city employees and partner agencies


2.6 Integrate Vision Zero into the City of Philadelphia’s Development Services Program Checklist to ensure that streets are being designed for the most vulnerable roadway users (pedestrians and bicyclists)

PCPC FY 18

2.7 Continue to expand the on-going sidewalk inventory efforts to identify and prioritize improvements for City-owned and private sidewalk ownership

oTIS/PCPC/ Streets

FY 18 and on-going

2.8 Conduct a study to identify best practices in peer cities for sidewalk repair and enforcement programs in construction zones, as well as recommendations for Philadelphia

oTIS FY 19

2.9 Develop pick-up and drop-off safety training for School District schools oTIS/Streets FY 20

19

Prioritizing designs Develop designs for High-

Injury Network corridors for

future grant funding

applications (1.7).

Slow zone program Develop neighborhood slow

zone program that slows

speeds to ensure the safety of

the most vulnerable road

users (1.15).

20

NEAR-TERM

Evaluation and Data Strategies & Actions

This multi-disciplinary subcommittee is imperative to linking different departments’ current data, in

order to provide a comprehensive traffic safety picture. In addition to the Managing Director’s Office of

Transportation & Infrastructure Systems (oTIS) and Office of Complete Streets, this subcommittee is

comprised of members from the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health (PDPH),

Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC), Police Department (PPD), and Streets Department;

Center City District (CCD); Clean Air Council; Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC);

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT); Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation

Authority (SEPTA); and University City District (UCD). This subcommittee will be tasked with directing

Vision Zero evaluation efforts and exploring opportunities to incorporate technology that can aid in the

collection and analysis of traffic- and crash-related data.

City Vision Zero

actions are data-driven

based on quality data and the

latest technology and

analytical tools.

21

Action Item


1 Analyze crash data and other transportation data to prioritize Vision Zero interventions

1.1 Form Crash Analysis Team from all departments that works with PennDOT and PPD crash data

oTIS FY 18

1.2 Identify High-Injury Network (HIN) at which to focus Vision Zero investment in first three years

Crash Analysis Team FY 18 and on-going

1.3 Identify most dangerous behaviors on which to focus Vision Zero investments in the first three years


1.4 Adopt year-over-year traffic safety statistics to be tracked as Vision Zero performance measures, both internally and externally

Crash Analysis Team FY 18

1.5 Establish post-study system of new developments that review the post-development impact on traffic safety

oTIS/ Streets FY 18 and on-going

1.6 Conduct crash analysis on crashes during school arrival/dismissal hours within one-quarter mile of schools


1.7 Annually evaluate hospital crash data and trends for vulnerable age groups Jefferson FY 18 and on-going

1.8 Develop a long-term evaluation plan for Vision Zero program that includes benchmark goals

Eval/data VZ subcommittee

FY 18

1.9 Prioritize highest impact resources needed on a departmental level for all City departments


FY 18 and on-going

1.10 Establish evaluation metrics of ARLE cameras to measure impact/need of cameras


FY 18 and on-going

1.11 Regular evaluation of the impact/success of traffic safety interventions for active transportation

oTIS FY 18 and on-going

1.12 Conduct research to better understand the economic impacts of Vision Zero and Complete Streets

oTIS/PCPC FY 18 and on-going

NEAR-TERM Evaluation and Data Strategies & Actions

Near-Term Evaluation and Data Strategies & Actions - cont.

22

Action Item


2 Coordinate data collection among City agencies to facilitate the analysis and evaluation of Vision

Zero interventions

2.1 Develop a centralized crash data repository system for internal use that provides access to needed information from traffic crashes on a recurring basis

PPD FY 18

2.2 Implement electronic crash reporting in pilot districts PPD FY 18

2.3 Pilot a centralized database between a Philadelphia hospital and enforcement crash data

oTIS FY 18

2.4 Work with 311 to improve data reporting and collection related to traffic safety from the public

oTIS FY 19

2.5 Engage university research partners, in order to design and implement traffic safety research and program evaluations


2.6 Conduct outreach to technology companies to support data collection needed for desired analysis


2.7 Collaborate with DVRPC to increase bicycle and pedestrian data collection targeting priority locations, in order to develop a regular reporting system available to the public

oTIS/PCPC FY 18 and on-going

2.8 Work with State Police to either modify or ensure that behavior information is collected on crash report forms

PPD FY 20 and on-going

2.9 Develop connections between Philadelphia trauma units Jefferson FY 19 and on-going

2.10 Pilot camera program to explore informing traffic safety interventions with video surveillance

Streets FY 19

2.11 Partner with SEPTA to integrate to SEPTA's crash data and ridership data into the larger data portal

SEPTA Long-term

2.12 Establish regular pedestrian and bicyclist counts at consistent locations oTIS FY 18 and on-going

3 External data reporting

3.1 Release annual Vision Zero progress report oTIS FY 18 and on-going

3.2 Develop an interactive user-friendly, web-based application where the public can access recent and archived traffic crash statistics

oTIS/OIT FY 18 and on-going

3.3 Statistics available in this static clickable map (or dashboard) application could also be summarized within the application


3.4 Continue to release the City’s crash data and identify ways to expedite the release of crash data on an ongoing basis


3.5 Input Vision Zero projects into public-facing GIS layer oTIS FY 19 and on-going

Near-term Evaluation and Data Strategies & Actions - cont.

23

Crash Data Identify High-

Injury Network (HIN) and most

dangerous behaviors to focus

Vision Zero investment in first

three years (1.2 & 1.3).

Reporting Implement

electronic crash reporting in

pilot districts (2.2) and release

an annual Vision Zero progress

report (3.1).

24

NEAR-TERM

Education and Engagement Strategies & Actions

This subcommittee will coordinate a comprehensive public education campaign aimed at increasing

awareness of crash-related data and promoting a culture of transportation safety and responsibility

throughout the city. Educational efforts will also include promotion of walking and biking, emphasizing

health benefits as well as safety in numbers: As the number of walkers and bikers in the city rises,

safety will improve. In addition to the Managing Director’s Office of Transportation & Infrastructure

Systems (oTIS), the Education and Engagement subcommittee is composed of members from City of

Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health (PDPH), City Planning Commission (PCPC), Office of

Complete Streets; American Automobile Association (AAA); American Association of Retired Persons

(AARP); Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc. (APM); Clean Air Council; New Kensington

Community Development Corporation (NKCDC); Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

(PennDOT); People’s Emergency Center (PEC); Philadelphia Association of Community Development

Corporations (PACDC); Philadelphia Health Management Corporation (PHMC); Office of Councilwoman

Gym; School District of Philadelphia; and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).

All Philadelphia

residents and visitors

understand their part in Vision

Zero and people living in every

Philadelphia neighborhood

have access to safety

education resources.

25

NEAR-TERM Education and Engagement

Strategies & Actions

Action Item

Description Lead Agency Support Agencies

Year

1 Develop a Vision Zero community engagement plan

1.1 Develop and implement a community engagement plan that strives for equitable traffic safety solutions and asks for residents’ feedback in the process

oTIS PCPC/PACDC/ SEPTA/others

FY 18 and on-going

1.2 Create "Behind the Big Wheel,” interactive education campaign, to demonstrate large vehicle blind spots

oTIS Streets FY 18 and on-going

1.3 Develop a workshop for media professionals on how to best communicate about traffic crashes and roadway safety

oTIS Mayor’s Office/PCPC

FY 19

1.4 Develop a Citizens Planning Institute (CPI) "Vision Zero" elective course PCPC/oTIS PDPH FY 19

1.5 Develop a volunteer Street Ambassador program that promotes traffic safety in neighborhoods and along high crash corridors

VZ Alliance oTIS/PCPC FY 19

1.6 Work with Community Organizations and the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) to raise awareness of top crash related behaviors before enforcement occurs in a precinct

oTIS/PPD VZ Education subcommittee/RCOs

FY 19 and on-going

1.7 Integrate information about active transportation as a strategy for improving health into all community outreach efforts

PDPH PCPC/oTIS FY 18 and on-going

2 Develop Vision Zero communications/public education plan

2.1 Continue to pursue opportunities to research what communications messages are most needed through surveys, focus groups and work with behavioral scientists

oTIS PCPC/PDPH/ AARP

FY 18 and on-going

2.2 Distribute City of Philadelphia Vision Zero newsletter, highlighting Vision Zero successes

oTIS AARP/Clean Air Council

FY 18 and on-going

26

Action Item


Year

2.3 Work with communication and behavioral science experts to create a public education campaign around Vision Zero that particularly emphasizes the key driver behaviors

oTIS Mayor’s Office FY 18 and on-going

2.4 Develop educational toolkit and programs that can be used by several agencies and are multilingual and take into account the needs of the City’s diverse populations

oTIS School District/PHMC/ PACDC

FY 18

3 Develop departmental-specific training and communications materials to bolster Vision Zero

3.1 Develop Traffic Code cheat sheet for PPD officers PPD oTIS/PennDOT/PHMC

FY 18

3.2 Continue Complete Streets training for engineers and planners designing a multi-modal transportation system

oTIS/Streets PCPC FY 18 and on-going

3.3 Work to educate City Council and state level elected officials on Vision Zero and traffic safety engineering through meetings and site visits

oTIS VZ Policy subcommittee/Streets/ PACDC

FY 18 and on-going

3.4 Develop a series of succinct traffic safety trainings for PPD roll call oTIS/PPD VZ Education subcommittee organizations

FY 19

4 Create educational modules for specific audiences (school children, young drivers, elderly, etc.)

4.1 Create and/or adapt a standard module for drivers to educate them on safe driving practices

oTIS/PennDOT PPD/AAA FY 18 and on-going

4.2 Expand Safe Routes Philly in order to provide education to children, parents, and teachers about safely walking and biking to and from school and the importance of physical activity to children’s healthy development

oTIS School District FY 18 and FY 19

4.3 Work with the Street Smarts campaign to develop Vision Zero specific campaigns

PHMC

FY 18 and on-going

4.4 Work with Philadelphia’s Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) and Mobility Alternative Programs (MAPs) to incentivize active transportation in the City

PDPH PCPC/Clean Air Council/CCD

FY 18 and on-going

4.6 Launch a Complete Streets educational program / incentives program for developers that promotes multimodal safety in redevelopment and right-of-way improvement projects

PCPC oTIS FY 19 and on-going

Near-term Education and Engagement Strategies & Actions - cont.

27

Community

engagement plan Develop and implement

community engagement plan

that strives for equitable

traffic safety solutions and

asks for residents’ feedback (1.1).

Expand Safe Routes

Philly Provide education to more

children, parents, and

teachers about safely walking

and biking to and from school

and the importance of

physical activity to children’s

healthy development (4.2).

28

NEAR-TERM

Traffic Safety Enforcement Strategies & Actions

Vision Zero enforcement pertains to enforcing traffic safety behavior and practices that impact public

safety. Additionally, traffic safety enforcement provides an opportunity to not only make streets safer,

but to increase public awareness of traffic safety among road users. In Philadelphia, the Philadelphia

Police Department (PPD) is the primary enforcement department for traffic safety. PPD enforces traffic

regulations. The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania

Transportation Authority (SEPTA) also have enforcement roles to play.

Enforcement alone is not a solution for traffic safety. While under-invested neighborhoods may be at

higher-risk of traffic crashes, increasing traffic safety enforcement before outreach, education, and

street design efforts may have unintended social consequences.

Traffic safety

enforcement is clearly

linked to data and behaviors

that will reduce fatal and

serious injury crashes.

29

Action Item


Year

1 Focus traffic safety enforcement

1.1 Establish enhanced traffic safety enforcement campaign at the precinct level against the most common offenses that result in serious injuries or fatal crashes

PPD oTIS FY 19

1.2 Reassign crossing guards to vacant posts at high-pedestrian crash intersections using crash data

PPD oTIS FY 18

1.3 Coordinate traffic safety enforcement efforts between PPD, PPA, and other entities with police powers, to maximize traffic safety

PPD/PPA FY 18

1.4 Increase traffic safety enforcement against illegal parking in school zones and drop-off lanes during school hours

PPD/PPA School District

FY 18 and on-going

1.5 Increase traffic safety enforcement against illegal passing of school buses PPD School District

FY 18 and on-going

1.6 Increase traffic safety enforcement and penalties for illegal sidewalk closures and obstructions

L&I/ROW/PPA FY 18

1.7 Increase enforcement of both short-term and long-term bicycle lane blockages

PPA/PPD/oTIS FY 19

1.8 Code L&I violations for failure to adhere to the Streets Department Right-of-Way Code separately, allowing for collection and reporting of data

L&I FY 18

1.9 Ensure line of sight at intersection is clear and safe Streets/PPA/PPD FY 18 and on-going

2 Strengthen enforcement agencies capacity

2.1 Integrate Vision Zero curriculum into PPD Academy curriculum and in-service Police Officer training

PPD FY 19

2.2 Pilot tracker training program for select officers assigned to patrol Districts, allowing for more officers to write more speeding violations

PPD FY 19

2.3 Offer Standardized Field Sobriety Testing training to in-service police officers

PPD FY 18

2.4 Work with Traffic Court to integrate Vision Zero priorities Traffic Court oTIS FY 18

2.5 Modify the permit fee schedule to increase fees for closing a sidewalk for construction and issue small-fee permits for the use of pedestrian lanes around closed sidewalks

ROW FY 18

2.6 Evaluate the effects of altering fines, points against licenses for moving violations, and consequences for hit-and-run drivers on reducing crashes

oTIS FY 18

3 Engage with local communities/neighborhoods on education and traffic safety

enforcement efforts

3.1 Support School District parents/community volunteers serving as traffic safety ambassadors at schools in high-crash locations

School District oTIS FY 18

NEAR-TERM Traffic Safety Enforcement


30

NEAR-TERM

Fleet Management Strategies & Actions The City of Philadelphia has nearly 6,000 vehicles in its fleet. It is imperative that City employees lead

by example and exhibit safe behaviors while operating City vehicles. Other agencies—such as

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), and

Indego bike share system—also operate or regulate fleets of vehicles from buses to taxis to bikes. This

subcommittee will prioritize cross-collaboration to improve operators training, incorporate new

technology, and generally improve safety operations of fleet operators and vehicles.

Goal: Work to prioritize

safety investments and

business safe practices

among fleets operating in

Philadelphia.

31

NEAR-TERM Fleet Management


Action Item


1 Update the citywide vehicle safety policy to incorporate Vision Zero traffic safety priorities

1.1 Ensure every City department has a Crash Review Officer to review City fleet crashes Risk Mgmt/Fleet FY 18 and on-going

1.2 Create City department passes for transit and Indego bike share to allow City employees to travel without using fleet vehicles

MDO FY 19 and FY 20

1.3 Work toward crash per miles driven by department in order to focus training on high-crash City departments

Fleet Mgmt FY 19

1.4 Establish a City operator’s license and training for all City employees that use any type of fleet vehicle

Risk Mgmt FY 18 and on-going

1.5 Create a City-wide incentive program to recognize safe drivers and departments with safe driving records


1.6 Create a pre- and post-use vehicle use survey process for departments to utilize when employees take out and return fleet vehicles. Certain City vehicles are already being inspected every two weeks, as well as annually in compliance with PA inspection

Fleet FY 19

1.7 Establish City fleet driver/operator training for civilian drivers with standard drivers’ licenses, such as defensive driving courses as mandatory and at no cost to departments. Require all City employees licensed to operate a City fleet vehicle to participate in an annual course or to complete a video training/recertification module

Risk Mgmt FY 19

1.8 Revise City’s Vehicle Use Policy to require attendance at driver training for employees who were involved in a crash

Fleet/Risk Mgmt Long-term

1.9 Work with City departments to improve reporting actions taken towards vehicle operators with driver’s licenses that are identified as exceptions or a status of “no record found”

Fleet/Risk Mgmt FY 19

1.10 Restrict use of hand-held and hands-free mobile devices for City drivers in City vehicles in the Vehicle Safety policy


2 Become the leader in purchasing safe fleet vehicles

2.1 Study high-visibility cabbed-trucks to determine whether they could be integrated into the City fleet, as a safer alternative to the trucks in the fleet today

Fleet FY 19

2.2 Study the impact GPS in City fleet vehicles will have as a tool to monitor driver behavior at large; particularly in vehicles of departments whose employees have a lot of crashes or drive more than average

Fleet FY 20

Near-Term Fleet Management Strategies & Actions - cont.

32

Action Item


2.3 Purchase and install sideguards for all City trucks, in order to decrease the instance of injury or fatality should a side impact occur; sideguards can and should include Vision Zero message

Fleet FY 18 and on-going

2.4 Study the benefits of installing cameras and warning systems for emergency vehicles and large vehicles, in order to improve visibility when backing up, parking or turning


2.6 Establish funding plan, in order to purchase telematics and sideguards for trash/recycling trucks


2.7 Place “How’s My Driving?” stickers on City fleet vehicles to encourage safe driving behaviors Fleet FY 18 and on-going

3 Engage large fleet operators in Vision Zero

3.1 Host Fleet Safety Forum for all large fleet operators in Philadelphia, in order to share best practices in fleet safety

DVRPC FY 18 and on-going

3.2 Incorporate Vision Zero into DVRPC’s pending Downtown Delivery Guide DVRPC FY 18

4 Enlist taxi, limousine, and transportation network companies in Vision Zero

4.1 Develop a window sticker and app campaign with safety messages for Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) and Transportation Network Company (TNC) riders

PPA/TNCs FY 18 and on-going

4.2 Engage taxi fleets and car services in promoting safe driving among TLC-licensed vehicles PPA FY 18 and on-going

4.3 Identify strategies to reduce fatigued driving and raise awareness among TLC-licensed drivers PPA FY 19 and on-going

5 Use fleet vehicles for public education campaigns related to Vision Zero

5.1 Incorporate City fleet into citywide Vision Zero media campaign by using vehicles as moving billboards


5.2 Create public service announcements (PSAs) to engage passengers in promoting safe driving by TLC and TNC cars and apps and educate partner agencies

PPA/TNCs FY 18 and on-going

Near-term Fleet Management Strategies & Actions - cont.

33

City-wide fleet

safety Create an incentive program

to recognize safe drivers and

install sideguards for all City

trucks (1.5 & 2.3).

Spreading the

message Incorporate City fleet into a

citywide Vision Zero media

campaign by using vehicles as

moving billboards (5.1).

34

NEAR-TERM

Policy Strategies & Actions

This subcommittee will direct the evaluations of various policies, define roles, and assess the impacts

on traffic safety. Policies that limit the ability of other Vision Zero committees to fully address their

focus area will be assessed by this subcommittee. In addition, this subcommittee will help create and

implement the action plans, in order to direct policy changes.

Goal: Address policy

hurdles that are barriers to

full implementation of Vision

Zero.

35

Action Item


1 City policy changes

1.1 Work with City Council to draft legislation authorizing the Chief Traffic Engineer to implement traffic calming and traffic safety improvements through changes to road markings, signage, and lane configuration that can be justified based on a formal review of crash data and relevant engineering characteristics of subject intersections and roadway segment

Mayor’s Office FY 18

1.2 Streamline procurement process for the rapid implementation of safety improvement projects, in order to complete projects on timeline of six months to one year from receiving funding

Mayor’s Office Long-term

1.3 Develop standard Request for Proposals (RFP) language to prioritize contractors with large trucks that have over a certain percent of trucks with sideguards

Policy FY 18

1.4 Study the implications of instituting strict laws for injuring or killing pedestrians or cyclists within the right of way, similar to New York City’s Administrative Code 19-190, which creates a criminal misdemeanor penalty for these offenders

oTIS/PPD/Courts FY 18

2 State policy changes

2.1 Work with State Legislators to gain State approval for speed cameras along Roosevelt Boulevard as a pilot program


2.2 Continue to evaluate and install more or relocate Automatic Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) cameras as needed


2.3 Work with PennDOT to redefine curb lines, in order to install safety improvement projects, including parking protected bike lanes

oTIS/Streets FY 18

2.4 After the launch of the Roosevelt Boulevard speed camera pilot program, work with State Legislators to gain State approval for speed cameras within one-quarter mile from schools


2.5 Work with State Legislators to gain State approval for Philadelphia to control the speed limit on all streets within city limits

Mayor’s Office/oTIS

FY 19

2.6 Explore a pilot program that offers traffic safety classes for first-time moving violation offenders in lieu of fines

PennDOT FY 19

2.7 Advocate for a policy to permit use of cameras in school bus stop arms, which, similar to red light cameras, issue tickets to drivers who illegally pass a school bus

Mayor’s Office Long term

2.8 Establish statewide policy that connects hospital crash data to enforcement crash data oTIS Long-term

2.9 Seek State approval to incorporate Vision Zero curriculum into PPD Academy curriculum PPD Long-term

NEAR-TERM Policy Strategies & Actions

36

VISION ZERO

Benchmarks The City of Philadelphia will use the annual reporting of traffic-related deaths and severe injuries as the

primary benchmark of success of reaching our Vision Zero goal of zero traffic-related deaths by 2030.

These measures will serve as key indicators of our progress on our engineering, traffic safety

enforcement, education and engagement, fleet/vehicle, and policy efforts.

Annual Metric Direction of Change

GENERAL

Total traffic-related deaths and severe injuries Decrease

Traffic related-deaths and severe injuries by mode Decrease

Proportion of traffic-related deaths and severe injuries on High Injury Network Decrease inequities

Number of people walking and biking Increase

Number of City of Philadelphia employees walking and biking to work Increase

ENGINEERING

Number of engineering projects implemented, and miles of streets and intersections receiving safety treatments Increase

City of Philadelphia engineering and technical staff knowledge of Vision Zero and pedestrian safety designs Increase

TRAFFIC SAFETY ENFORCEMENT

Speeds on Philadelphia streets Decrease

Police Officer knowledge of Vision Zero and pedestrian safety Increase

Traffic safety citations issued:

At identified dangerous locations Increase

Against identified dangerous behaviors Increase

EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT

Public awareness of Vision Zero, its principles, underlying traffic safety issues, and traffic laws Increase

Engagement with children attending schools located in neighborhoods with high rates of child-pedestrian crashes Increase

FLEET/VEHICLE

Number of fleet vehicles with traffic safety equipment and technologies Increase

Fleet operator knowledge of Vision Zero and pedestrian safety Increase

POLICY

Local and state policy changes to advance Vision Zero Increase

37

WHAT

Can We Do?

Stay engaged; take the online survey

For Vision Zero updates and to share your feedback, visit www.VisionZeroPHL.com.

Make safe choices; take the pledge

Join us. All Philadelphians can make choices that make our streets safer. Take the Vision Zero pledge at www.VisionZeroPHL.com.

Choose to walk, bike, or take transit

Making safe choices does not stop at choosing driving, walking, or biking safely. By choosing to walk, bike, and take transit, our streets become safer, and the health of Philadelphians improves.

Support traffic safety

Support policies and engineering projects in your neighborhoods that promote traffic safety and make it easier for people to walk and bike.

Together, we can save lives.

http://www.phila.gov/visionzero

http://www.visionzerophl.com/

38

Acronyms and abbreviations

AAA American Automobile Association

AARP American Association of Retired Persons

APM Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc.

ARLE Automated Red Light Enforcement

CCD Center City District

School District School District of Philadelphia

DVRPC Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

EMS Emergency Medical Services

Fleet (Fleet Mgmt) Fleet Management, City of Philadelphia

GIS Geographic Information Systems

GPS Global Positioning System

HIN High-Injury Network

Jefferson Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

L&I Licenses & Inspections, City of Philadelphia

LED Light-emitting Diode (light source)

LPI Leading Pedestrian Interval

MDO Managing Director’s Office, City of Philadelphia

NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NKCDC New Kensington Community Development Corporation

oTIS Managing Director’s Office of Transportation & Infrastructure Systems, City of Philadelphia

PACDC Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations

PCPC Philadelphia City Planning Commission, City of Philadelphia

PDPH Philadelphia Department of Public Health, City of Philadelphia

PEC People’s Emergency Center

PennDOT Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

PHMC Public Health Management Corporation

PPA Philadelphia Parking Authority

PPD Philadelphia Police Department

Risk (Risk Mgmt) Risk Management, City of Philadelphia

ROW Right-Of-Way Unit, City of Philadelphia Department of Streets

SEPTA Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

Streets Department of Streets, City of Philadelphia

TLC Taxi & Limousine Commission

TNC Transportation Network Company

UCD University City District

VZ Vision Zero

Water Philadelphia Water Department, City of Philadelphia

GLOSSARY OF

Terms

39

Our city and our families deserve safer streets.

40

For more information

www.visionzeroPHL.com

[email protected]

#visionzeroPHL

LOOK FOR THE

Final Vision Zero Three-Year Action Plan this fall

http://www.visionzerophl.com/

mailto:[email protected]

report vision zero draft three-year action plan for public...

Documents